Research

In the history of science, the development of new measurement techniques has led to groundbreaking discoveries and opened up new fields of research. We follow this tradition by specializing in the development of advanced optical measurement techniques to explore the frontiers of physical and biological science.

Laser spectroscopy and microscopy

We develop advanced optical measurement techniques, particularly label-free molecular vibrational spectroscopy and microscopy. For example, our group has recently pioneered super-resolution mid-infrared microscopy, with which we can visualize living cell images. We have also invented the world's fastest mid-infrared spectroscopy techniques. We are developing computational techniques, including machine learning, to enhance the capability of those measurement techniques.

Laser development

New spectroscopy and microscopy techniques often require laser systems that are not commercially available. Our group develops such lasers in-house, leveraging our expertise in physics, particularly in quantum electronics.

 

Mid-infrared laser

Biophysics and medical applications

Our advanced spectroscopy and microscopy techniques are applicable to the observation of biophysical phenomena, especially the complex dynamics within living cells. Additionally, we utilize our measurement techniques of living cells for medical applications.

 

Thermal biology, Liquid-liquid phase separation, Bacterial diagnosis, Cellular senescence

Physics of laser processing

Laser ablation is a complex phenomenon in which various processes occur over a timescale ranging from femtoseconds to milliseconds within a nonequilibrium open system. We investigate the fundamental physics underlying this complexity using our unique optical measurement techniques.

 

Time-resolved complex field imaging of laser processing


Recent major achievements


Youtube recording of "Mind-infrared photothermal quantitative phase imaging (MIP-QPI)" given for Photothermal Webinar Series 2023.

We work for Science & Theory Enabling inteLligent LAser manufacturing (STELLA) Project.